Gambling involves risking something of value on an event that is primarily determined by chance in hopes of winning something else of value. It has existed in virtually every society since prerecorded history and is incorporated into many customs and rites of passage.
Gambling can be fun and exciting, but it is also a dangerous activity that can result in financial and personal problems for individuals who do not gamble responsibly. The negative effects of gambling are magnified when people do not understand how to gamble safely, and they are unaware of the signs that their gambling is becoming a problem.
Some of the most common signs that a person is gambling too much include: (1) unable to stop betting; (2) lying to friends or family members about their gambling; (3) avoiding work, social activities, or responsibilities in order to gamble; (4) returning to a casino the next day to try to make up for lost time; (5) attempting to recover money spent on gambling by forging checks, engaging in credit card fraud, or embezzlement; and (6) relying on others to provide funds to help pay for gambling (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
Individuals with an unhealthy obsession with gambling should seek treatment through a qualified mental health professional. There are a number of effective treatments for this disorder, including self-help support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, which is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and inpatient or residential treatment programs.
